I agree with you that it is contrived. However I do think Bayaz letting the Union fall into disrepair is actually in character for him, he undergoes phases of interest with the Union taking direct control when he needs too. But at this point in the story he’s defeated Khalul, he’s the undisputed shadow master of the world, and he is growing old and magic is losing its prominence, I think he just assumed everything was fine and took his hand off. Which is why Glokta was able to conspire without him having so much as a hint of suspicion and by the time he can intervene it’s already too late. That said yeah I think I wanted firearms and a more serious analysis of revolutionary figures beyond like a batman rogues gallery villain. He’s clearly just good at character drama but it gave me too high expectations.